Bullet choice question

twodogs2025 · Apr 8, 2006

I just purchased a new 7mm rem mag and plan on taking it to colorado elk hunting this fall. I fired it off my bench rest with a variety of rounds this week. I found it shoots both the Barnes x triple shock and the nosler partitions in the 160 grain size equally well. Is there an advantage to one over the other, are there any pro's or cons to consider with either? Like I said they both shot similar groups and preformed about the same. I now just need to decide what to use and would appreciate any of your guy's help.

dryflyelk · Apr 8, 2006

Well, the response you get will depend on who answers, so I'll try to give you a summary.
The Barnes is a solid copper bullet designed to retain 100% or close to it of its weight. You're more likely to get an exit hole with that TSX, simply because it won't shear off as much weight on the initial impact.
The partition is the greatest big game bullet of all time, and is designed for the "bang, flop" type deal. I think it is designed to retain like 65% of its weight, and spend a lot of energy in the animal.
It really depends on what you are after. If it were me, id take teh one that shot the best, but you mentioned they shot the same. That being equal, I'd take the partion, because the fouling from the barnes bullets is a little tougher to get out of a barrel than the lead from a partition. Also, its funner to see an animal die in its tracks than 50 yards away.

One thing you may want to consider is a slightly lighter TSX.

twodogs2025 · Apr 8, 2006

Thanks for that. Anyone else have some insight?

Pre64 · Apr 9, 2006

IMO either would be a fine choice. Both bullets will perform as expected. If your a fan of the shoulder shot the Barne's will hold up better. If you like the boiler room shot the partition will expand better. The Barne's bullet relies on a would channel and the partition will expend more kinetic energy in the boiler room. BTW, partitions are designed so that the top half of the bullet will sheer off at higher velocities or if it hits bone leaving the core to continue, or something like that. This is my opinion and many may disagree. Hunters can be very opinionated on bullet performance (I'm no exception). The two bullets you mentioned are at either end of the scale of weight retention and both bullets have a loyal following. I would not hesitate to use either (but I like scirrocos the best).

Some other things to consider are availability and price. How much shooting do you want to do this summer? Before I started reloading if I found a load my bullet liked I would go back to the store and buy several boxes with the same lot number. Hope this helps.